QinetiQ North America’s Technology Solutions Group has announced that the Walnut Creek (Calif.) Police Department has purchased and taken delivery of a new Generation IV Talon  EOD/CBRNE robot. Walnut Creek’s Talon is specially equipped for scenarios frequently encountered by police Bomb Squads as well as being able to respond to scenes that may involve other types of hazardous material or devices.

In particular, the Walnut Creek Talon is equipped with new state-of-the-art software to make it possible to “plug and play” up to seven detection instruments mounted on a quick release mounting tray for easy assembly and removal. In addition, the personal digital assistant (PDA) located at the operator control unit (OCU) has been upgraded to include audio and visual alarms if any of the detection instruments exceed safe preset limits.   

All Talon robots also are equipped with three high-resolution, infrared-assisted cameras, a 300:1 pan/tilt/zoom camera mounted on a power mast and two-way communications.  

“We chose the Talon for several operational reasons,” said Sgt. Mike McLaughlin of Walnut Creek. “The Talon’s speed and ease of deployment make it a valuable resource as soon as it is on scene. The ability of the Talon robot to be equipped with CBRNE sensors that can be monitored from the safe zone is of great value to not only the Bomb Squad but also allows us to integrate with the county Hazmat team when necessary. One of the primary reasons that the Walnut Creek Police Department chose the Talon system is the high level of support and customer service provided by Talon. Talon is well known throughout the bomb squad community for the reliability of their product and support to the community.”